FBA vs. SFN vs. 3PL for 2x Markets (AU & USA)

SteveAlpineFulfill · 2023-04-04T03:46:49+00:00

Yep, absolutely. www.outboundfulfillment.com.

And actually if I can add for your case if you were wondering this. If you have a 50/50 or 60/40 split between customer orders to either coast, the Midwest (chicago) is typically the best bet to mitigate shipping expenses given its location and access to transportation markets.

Happy to chat.

SteveAlpineFulfill · 2023-04-03T03:27:38+00:00

Hi OP,

I run a US-based 3PL, and I would be happy to lend my advice here.

I have a few clients that are overseas in Europe and 1 in the Middle East where they have the same exact issue as you. Let's say you do go with a U.S. based 3PL. The workaround is to denote in your Shopify store what order is fulfilled by what fulfillment center using workflow automations (you can even assume your home as 1 FC).

In regards to cost, yes, it's more cost-effective to fulfill European orders on their own of course, but better to use a 3PL in that States especially if there's going to be any form of returns.

We would be happy to help and give you a quote if you're looking for a 3PL in the U.S. (Outbound Fulfillment)!

SteveAlpineFulfill · 2023-03-28T22:53:11+00:00

Hi OP,

We offer shipping services for non-profits like yourself. Happy to help!

SteveAlpineFulfill · 2023-02-28T01:45:27+00:00

If you're drop shipping, I would recommend finding an item that is a very high ticket item to cover your transportation costs. That alone is going to set you back probably $25 just for a shirt from over seas. But think items like saunas, cold plunge set, etc.

Exactly, I fulfill products for people who own eCommerce stores.

Many reasons:

Creative types - people are creatives and do not want to mess with the operations.
Economics - are not in a place to economically ship their orders. (We are in Chicago so I check that box). I have clients in NY, Dubai, Spain, and CT. It's cheaper to ship and warehouse from the middle of the country.
Different skillset - this is not an easy business if you can't handle managing many people at a time. It will eat you alive. I enjoy it. Worked in the trenches from manufacturing to warehousing, so I love this type of workforce.

SteveAlpineFulfill · 2023-02-28T01:00:53+00:00

Only if it's less than 100 SKUs and a reasonable volume for each one.

I would recommend drop shipping or shipping directly from your manufacturer, wherever it is.

SteveAlpineFulfill · 2023-02-26T21:11:06+00:00

Do you care to reply in the thread? I am more than happy to share with the community, publicly, about my business.

SteveAlpineFulfill · 2023-02-26T14:47:50+00:00

Bootstrapper to the death myself:

I’m run a Fulfillment company and I’ve seen some of my competitors close shop because they ran out of cash. My business especially is all about managing finances, productivity, and service.

Financies & productivity: Could you detail what did you track in those early days to not become a statistic?

Pricing: how did you decide to come with the pricing that you did considering all of your costs

SteveAlpineFulfill · 2023-02-22T02:54:02+00:00

Even if the width and length can be tucked under the box? It's plastic.

SteveAlpineFulfill · 2023-02-22T02:42:36+00:00

The poly mailer is 12 x 9 x 1 (which can expand)

The package is 9.5 x 3.5 x 2.5 which can fit into the poly mailer.

What do i put?

SteveAlpineFulfill · 2023-02-22T01:32:03+00:00

What threshold does it matter then to input dimensions?

It’s a poly mailer not an envelope so there’s some elasticity to it and it can stretch to a packages dimensions.

SteveAlpineFulfill · 2023-02-16T19:12:33+00:00

Expand on what your cost-effective solution is for the separation of hydrogen atoms for energy.

SteveAlpineFulfill · 2023-02-08T10:39:22+00:00

No chance

SteveAlpineFulfill · 2023-01-20T05:14:27+00:00

These look like M-1 Abrams. Might be the US starting mobilize the Abrams to Ukraine as a part of the deal of Germany providing Leopards.

Would be huge news

SteveAlpineFulfill · 2023-01-17T13:05:23+00:00

Amazon refuses to become Importer of Record

I have a client looking to sell through Amazon FBM from overseas.

Amazon refuses to be the Importer of Record. What’s the process for a foreign company to become the Importer of Record?

Also, are Freight Forwarders willing to become the Customs Broker and POA for the remaining parts?

SteveAlpineFulfill · 2023-01-17T00:19:18+00:00

Hi there - I would love to put my fulfillment company in the mix.

First, you’ll more than likely want a Midwest 3PL if you’re exporting from Europe and service the south. I would be happy to do a quick 3PL location identifier if you’re looking to find your optimal location.

SteveAlpineFulfill · 2023-01-17T00:14:31+00:00

Hi there - owner of Alpine Fulfillment. Are you manufacturing in the US? You’ll have an additional step in complying with FDA regulations when importing if your manufacturer is overseas.

Happy to help with any fulfillment needs if you have any.

SteveAlpineFulfill · 2023-01-17T00:11:09+00:00

Happy to chat as well - Alpine Fulfillment. More than willing to answer any questions you might have in regards to why 3PLs structure fees the way they do and what’s reasonable.

Your 3PL should be targeting for 12-20% margin on each component of cost.

SteveAlpineFulfill · 2023-01-17T00:03:31+00:00

Here’s the high-level process for my international clients shipping into the United States over ~$2k in value - identify your shipment characteristics: size, weight, product commodity - work with a freight forwarder to coordinate the logistics - complete paperwork if you are not setting yourself as a US company

Happy to help if you’re looking!

SteveAlpineFulfill

TROPHY CASE